It’s true, we all want a healthy glowing complexion. But maintaining skin health may be much more important to our overall well-being than we previously thought.

In a recent article published by the BBC entitled The Curious Ways Skin Shapes Your Health, researchers discuss the ways in which our skin health is actually a predictor of our internal health. This is a novel perspective since most of us have been taught that skin merely reflects our health and lifestyle. But the latest research is showing that skin actively contributes to our physical well-being. Surprisingly, the condition of our skin may dictate how we age rather than merely reflecting it.

How? Let’s start with a little historical perspective. Back in 1958, The Baltimore Longitudinal Study revolutionized our understanding of aging. Tracking thousands of participants over several decades, findings revealed a significant connection between youthful appearance and inner health. Notably, those who looked older than their age were more likely to face health complications and even premature death.

To date, researchers have used two main ways to measure age: chronological (based on birth date) and biological (reflecting our physical aging). Over time, environmental factors, primarily UV radiation, can significantly damage skin, accounting for over 80% of visible skin changes.

What’s more is that as we age, our body’s inflammatory response, meant to protect us, can overact, leading to what some researchers call “inflammaging” - a chronic type of inflammation associated with the aging process. Damaged skin adds to this inflammatory cycle by releasing a cascade of chemicals that further instigate inflammation, potentially affecting the health of other organs.

The BBC article explains how “The chemicals released by diseased and dysfunctional skin soon enter the bloodstream, where they wash around, damaging other tissues. Amid the ensuing systemic inflammation, chemicals from the skin can reach and harm organs that seem entirely unrelated, including your heart and brain. The result is accelerated aging, and a higher risk of developing the majority of – or possibly even all – related disorders. So far, aged or diseased skin has been linked to the onset of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment, as well as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.”

Inflammaging from UV exposure

Since UV radiation is the number one cause of inflammaging, the importance of sun protection can not be overstated. UVA rays in particular, penetrate deep below the surface of our skin, disrupting collagen synthesis and stimulating melanin production. The result is photoaged skin, evident through irregular pigmentation and wrinkles, irrespective of skin tone.

Protecting our skin with appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade at peak UV hours is imperative to maintaining our skin health.

But sun protection isn’t the only way to maintain healthy skin, keeping skin moisturized is a close second.

Inflammaging from dry skin

As we get older, our skin’s natural moisturizing factors, lipids, filaggrin, glycol, and sebum start to decline. Unfortunately, dry skin is significantly less effective at providing a barrier against infection, environmental toxins and allergens. But moisturizing can be a game-changer. Studies show that consistent moisturization not only helps to reduce skin inflammation by improving skin barrier health but might also stave off cognitive decline!

Whole-plant skin nutritives like phytoceramides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can be beneficial to supporting optimal skin barrier function and preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). 

A nutrient-rich serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum can go a long way to replenish skin health by providing it with the nutrients it needs to function beautifully and ward off environmental aggressors.

Our skin is so much more than just a protective barrier between ourselves and the environment. It's a vast and active organ that plays a pivotal role in our overall health.

If your skin is looking slack and feeling like it's missing its usual bounce, it may be time to help boost collagen production.

Praised for its restorative benefits, horsetail is a ‘living fossil’ that has graced our planet with its fern-like fronds for hundreds of millions of years.

A perennial native to the Northern Hemisphere and European countries, horsetail (Equisetum arvense) also goes by the names shave grass, scouring rush, and bottlebrush.

It was used extensively by ancient Greeks and Romans for its medicinal properties being first recorded in medical texts by the Greek physician Claudius Galenus during the 17th century.

Containing some of the highest levels of bioavailable silicon in the form of silica and silica acids in the plant world, horsetail helps encourage collagen synthesis boosting skin resiliency and turgor. (Not to be confused with silicone, which is a man-made chemical commonly used in industrial applications.)

This restorative botanical is found in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence and helps promote collagen synthesis for a smooth, firm complexion.

Read on to learn how your skin can benefit from this delicate fern…

Restorative Benefits of Horsetail

Firm skin

Containing the highest levels of bioavailable silicon in the form of silica and silica acids in the plant world, this trace mineral is vital for taut skin, strong bones, and lustrous hair and nails. Silica is a vital building block of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. It is important for optimal collagen synthesis and activation of hydroxylating enzymes, which help to improve skin strength and elasticity.

Revitalizing

Packed with a flavonoid called isoquercitrin, horsetail extract is touted to speed up cellular regeneration. It may also help support the skin’s wound-healing processes and fight the effects of premature photo-aging.

Calming

Horsetail may help to interrupt the body’s inflammatory response. This action may decrease potential damage to skin structures, premature skin aging, and help to calm reddened skin.

Antioxidant-rich

Elevated free radicals from stress, environmental pollutants, UV rays, and radiation from smartphones and laptops may negatively impact skin health. These unstable molecules can lead to inflammation and lipid peroxidation, which may damage cellular DNA and vital skin proteins.

Loaded with natural flavonoids and other antioxidants, horsetail helps curb effects from free radicals and accelerated skin aging.

Nourishing

Horsetail is a natural source of phytonutrients and minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. This makes it a potent nutritive tonic when incorporated into a daily skincare regimen.

Moisturizing

By helping to improve skin texture and providing a rich source of phytonutrients, horsetail improves skin barrier health and moisture retention.

Horsetail has many skin benefits which is why we've included it in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. Containing both silica and silica acids in a readily absorbable format, horsetail is an obvious choice for boosting collagen and improving skin health.

Sources:

Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy* Lidiane Advincula de Araújo,1 Flavia Addor,2 and Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos1

Isolated isoquercitrin from Green ball apple peel inhibits photoaging in CCD-986Sk fibroblasts cells via modulation of the MMPs signaling. Eun-Ho Lee 1, Hye-Jin Park 1, Han-Hyuk Kim 2, Hee-Young Jung 3, In-Kyu Kang 4, Young-Je Cho 1

As we age, our skin's texture and ability to retain moisture start to change. This is because the amount of natural oils your skin produces declines dramatically after the age of 40. Some might go so far as to say that their oil glands have gone on strike!

But it’s not just that our skin produces less natural oils. The structure of our skin also changes, becoming thinner and less dense, a change that can further contribute to trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and impaired barrier function.

Both thinner and drier skin can greatly diminish optimal skin barrier function. One of the best things you can do for mature skin is to make sure your skin barrier remains intact and healthy by providing it with the vitamins, nutrients, and moisture that it needs.

Specifically, phytoceramides, precious oils and hyaluronic acid, which act synergistically toghether to mimic the composition of the skin’s natural barrier. Both our serums and our Aspen Dew Essence are designed to provide these key actives and help to promote optimal skin barrier health so you can keep your glow going.

For more on how to naturally boost your skin health and improve barrier function, check out our tips below...

How you can boost skin barrier health

Use a serum daily 

Invest in a clean, results-driven serum, like The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum, that fortifies and nourishes depleted skin with vitamin renewal while shielding against oxidative damage that leads to premature aging.

Use a gentle cleanser twice a day

Oil cleansers are preferred as they clean without stripping. Avoid anything that leaves your skin feeling “squeaky clean” as this is a sure sign your skin is being stripped of its natural oils and moisture.

Get your Omega 3s

Take a high-quality fish oil or flaxseed Omega 3 supplement, to improve the fatty acid composition of your skin and balance its inflammatory response. Our favorite is Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega.

Avoid hot water

Use warm (not hot!) water on your face so you are not stripping your skin of its natural oils and limit over-bathing.

Use SPF

Upgrade your sunscreen game, use a non-nano SPF sunscreen to protect against age spots and skin cancer. Makeup with SPF does not provide the same level of protection. While using SPF may feel over-stated, it remains one of the single most powerful ways to help prevent premature photo-aging. For more on this topic, check out our post on the myriad ways UV rays damage skin.

However you choose to support your skin barrier health, remember, caring for your skin is always an act of self-care. 

Not a fan of needles? Let’s talk about one of our favorite Botox alternatives, the gua sha facial massage.

Gua sha is an ancient beauty ritual used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to promote healthy skin. It’s been called the ‘botox of the Far East’ due to its firming and smoothing benefits. 

Gua means to press and sha refers to the pink color seen on your skin after use.

The 3 main benefits of facial gua sha are: increased circulation, lymph drainage (depuffing), and facial contouring.

When gua sha is enhanced with a nourishing oil serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum, it increases both product absorption and efficacy.

Combined, these deliver:

• Reduced puffiness: helps lymphatic fluid to drain and move from stagnant areas
• Contour and sculpt features: gua sha lifts features by helping to realign drooping skin with underlying facial muscles
• Soften fine lines: relaxes overactive muscles that cause wrinkles
• Diminish the look of scars: promotes cell renewal by increasing circulation and cellular health
• A brighter complexion: stimulating blood flow and improve circulation 

We love the benefits of this technique so much that we've added a new limited edition gua sha stone made from a gorgeous white snow crystal to our shop!

To learn how to gua sha your face, read on below for a step-by-step instructional.

How to Gua Sha 

1. Cleanse

Wash your gua sha tool and hands with warm soapy water. Cleanse your skin as normal.

2. Apply Serum

This will help the movement over your skin and prevent irritation. The product will be absorbed into your skin as you’re massaging your face.

Hold the curved side of your gua sha at a 45-degree angle to your skin. All movements should go out from the midline of your face to the hairline, following lymphatic flow to help depuff and improve circulation.

• Neck - Start along your neck and glide upward toward your jawline to improve definition and de-puff.
• Jawline - From the center of the chin glide along the jawline to the ear to increase definition and tighten skin.
• Cheeks - Follow the contours of your cheek using medium pressure up to your hairline. Repeat on both sides.
• Under eyes - Start at the inner corner of the under-eye area and glide the tool along the underside of the eye, and upwards toward the hairline using gentle pressure in a J-shaped motion.
• Brow - Work on your forehead in three sections and glide the stone from your eyebrows to the top of your forehead.

Massage the remaining serum into your skin. Then complete your regular skincare routine.

You will notice the effects from gua sha long afterward, with an increase in circulation giving your skin a healthy glow and diminished puffiness under the eyes and jawline.

With regular practice, gua sha facial massage is a powerful tool to improve overall skin health, tone, and radiance.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a herbaceous plant with a long history of medicinal use. A tenacious biennial indigenous to Europe, Asia and Africa, mullein is named after its soft wooly leaves (Mollis - means soft in Latin).

Praised for its restorative properties, folk medicine practitioners in India and Spain traditionally used mullein to treat aches, pains, migraines, digestive and respiratory illnesses. Brewing its bright yellow blooms into a soothing, sedative tea, mullein was used as an antiviral, analgesic, and nervine tonic. Mullein poltices were also used in indigenous medicine to help calm skin lesions and insect bites to help promote a swifter recovery. 

Rich in phytonutrients like flavonoids and Vitamin C, Mulleins’s powerful phytonutrients provide the skin and body with multiple health benefits. 

Read on to learn more about this nutrient-rich herb and why it's constituents make it a key player in skin recovery of all kinds.

Hesperidin

The bioflavonoid hesperidin acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It may suppress melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase for a brighter, more radiant complexion. In addition, it acts as a potent free radical scavenger, protecting the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that offers protection from environmental agressors like pollution and pollen. It, therefore, acts as a skin soother due to its ability to combat inflammation and erythema. In addition, quercetin helps restores the skin barrier function, reducing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and increasing overall skin hydration.

Luteolin

Commonly found in many vegetables and fruits, like leafy greens and bell peppers, luteolin has many health-giving benefits. In fact, some studies have shown that luteolin may even have properties that help to prevent damage to skin structures and cellular DNA. 

Vitamin C 

A well known free radical scavenger, vitamin C helps combat oxidative stress, a key culprit in collagen and elastin degradation. It’s is also one of the main vitamins that is essential for collagen synthesis and therefore vital for firm, bouncy skin.  

Vitamin C may also help defend against sun-induced matrix metalloproteinases or MMPs, a class of enzymes responsible for triggering inflammation that can lead to accelerated aging.

By helping to modulate the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, vitamin C can help calm angry skin  Last but not least, some studies have shown that vitamin C also has photoprotective qualities, helping to brighten dull skin and lighten sun spots.

What do you think of this powerful herb? We believe it has the potential to elevate skincare to the next level. So much so, we've included it in our Snow Rose Recovery Mask!

Arnica Montana is a potent herb and popular botanical used in both skincare, herbal medicines, and homeopathic formulations.

Arnica thrives in alpine meadows and creates an impressive sea of golden blooms in late spring and early summer. In Telluride's Imogene basin you can find arnica growing in the wild. 

Boasting over 150 active compounds, arnica contains a myriad of phytonutrients including sesquiterpene lactones which offer antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

In North American, indigenous peoples have used it for centuries as an analgesic, to treat bruising and muscle soreness.

The first recorded use by Europeans of this herbaceous plant dates back to the 16th-century when arnica was brewed into a medicinal tea in Germany.

You can find this skin nutrient powerhouse in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.

Read on to learn how this alpine flower can revitalize your complexion....

Skin Benefits of Arnica Montana

Recovery

Deeply restorative, arnica extract may help reduce collagen and elastin destruction caused by UVB exposure and protect the skin from damaging oxidative stress. 

Helenalin, a compound found in arnica, may inhibit inflammation in the skin.

Revitalizing

Arnica may stimulate matrix formation, especially fibronectin, in the skin. Fibronectin helps maintain and regulate healthy cellular activity in the skin, it is essential for healing and repair. 

Rejuvenating

Arnica shows potent elemental defense through free radical scavenging in the form of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These powerful antioxidants may help shield the skin from harmful oxidative damage and help to prevent accelerated skin aging.  

Brightening

Arnica visibly brightens skin and reduces discoloration for a more luminous complexion. It may reduce the appearance of sun spots by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which is responsible for melanin formation.

Calming

Wonderful for treating a puffy swollen complexion, arnica also helps reduces the appearance of redness, swelling, and irritation.

With its many skin-nurturing properties, arnica is the perfect way to amplify your skincare.

Summer means wildflower season in Telluride and forays above the tree line become resplendant with a riot of colorful alpine blooms.

Peeking from rock crannies and flourishing in lush alpine meadows, these high altitude flowers are a vital part of every TellurideGlow product.

Possessing unique medicinal properties, alpine wildflowers have been used since ancient times to nourish the skin and uplift the spirit. These flowers and their essences are one of our most powerful allies in the quest for a healthy, balanced and radiant complexion. 

Many contain high levels of free-radical fighting antioxidants to combat oxidative and environmental stress, posses unique cellular detoxification and regeneration abilities, and contain especially concentrated phytonutrients.

It's a bonus that they present incredible fragrance with no artificial additives!

Below you can learn more about the unique restorative and revitalizing properties of some of the alpine wildflowers chosen for our nourishing serums and essence.

Swiss Edelweiss

This protected alpine flower has been a coveted skin-healer for centuries thanks to its powers of renewal and abundant antioxidant protection, both of which work to improve the overall appearance of skin.

To read more about the incredible rejuvenating powers of this tiny bloom check out our article on Swiss Edelweiss.

Arnica Montana

Arnica Montana grows wild in Telluride's Imogene basin and is used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also encourages increased circulation to help diminish puffiness and swelling.  

High Altitude Lavender

This high altitude essential oil has a higher linayl acetate content, giving it a fresh, clean fragrance and more relaxing components than other varieties. Calming lavender works to help purify the skin and improve clarity. The oil is traditionally believed to have sedative, carminative, anti-depressive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory abilities that help to decongest clogged pores, and is also rich in flavonoids and antioxidants effective in helping to protect the skin against free radicals that cause aging.

Mullein

A natural anti-inflammatory, this cherrful yellow flowering herbaceous plant grows in the wild in many alpine meadows. We source and use our Mullein whole. Mullein can help with irritated skin and supports healing, thanks to its unique, regenerative properties. It also has antioxidant benefits to shield skin from oxidative stress.

Evening Primrose

Evening primrose oil touts high concentration of gamma Linolenic acid, essential for collagen production. Balances the skin between oily and dry.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know our unique alpine wildflowers a little bit better.

Ready to experience the transformative power of these resiliant blooms for yourself?

You can find a gorgeous bouquet of high altitude flowers in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum which was inspired by the resilient wildflowers growing above the treeline in Telluride, Colorado.

The perfect skincare routine adapts to your skin's needs in the moment. That includes making seasonal adjustments.

Summer months mean lots of daylight hours and greater sun exposure. But hot weather coupled with more sun can result in dark spots, sunburn, and breakouts thanks to clogged pores. 

To help your skin adjust to warmer weather we've put together a list of five tips for a healthy glow this summer.

Switch to a non-irritating botanical retinoid

Retinoids can sensitize skin to sun which can end in sunburn. Reduce the frequency of retinoid use or increase your sun protection. Or better still, switch to a non-irritating botanical retinoid alternative like dew bean, found in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

Use a fast-absorbing serum 

Reach for fast-absorbing serums, like our Purist Delicate Skin Serum for moisture that doesn't leave skin feeling heavy or sticky. Pomegranate is coveted for antioxidant and skin hydration, penetrating easily and deeply to create lasting, non-greasy moisture.

Decongest pores

Pores are more prone to get clogged in the summer thanks to our skin's increased sweat and oil production. Look for non-comedogenic formulas to help balance skin and avoid breakouts. Chamomile helps to decongest pores and is also rich in flavonoids and antioxidants.

Guard against photo-aging

Aside from using your favorite SPF (50+ for your face), botanicals, such as pomegranate, arctic cranberry, camellia, and Nepalese goji, which can be found in The Purist, provide heightened defense against the visible signs of photo-aging.

Boost skin recovery

Soothing lavender has been used for centuries for skin recovery, and for good reason. If you are in the sun for extended periods this summer, consider post-sun exposure recovery. You can find a more potent high-altitude lavender in The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.

We recommend using The Purist or The Alpine during the day, and The Alpine after sun to get the best effect. 

On especially hot summer day you can pop your Aspen Dew in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before applying for an extra cooling soothing skin treat. 

Whatever changes you make to your summer skincare routine, always listen to your skin and make adjustments accordingly. 

If you've ever found yourself bewildered about what exactly a facial essence does, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Essences, toners, and serums are frequently mislabeled and confusing to understand. 

In this post, we'll demystify facial essences and explain how this watery substance is the key to unlocking the full benefits of all your other skincare products and dramatically increases the results of your skincare routine.

What is a facial essence?

A facial essence is defined as a plant-derived, highly-concentrated substance designed to hydrate the skin and enhance the absorption of other skincare products. 

It is typically a thin, watery leave-on treatment that serves as a vital step in a skincare routine.

Developed in Japan in the early 1800s as part of Geisha beauty rituals, skin essence was originally called beauty water. It were made by steeping botanical ingredients in water, similar in many ways to how today's hydrosols are made. 

Contemporary essence has come a long way, incorperating many additional ingredients that provide a sophisticated system to deliver moisture to the skin.

How does an essence work?

One of the best analogies used to explain how an essence works comes from gardening. Imagine you are trying to water plants in a garden where the surface of the soil has become hardened and dried out. The water will tend to run off, not reaching the roots of the plants below.

Now imagine you are watering a garden where the soil has been loosened, the water is easily absorbed and flows down into the earth providing moisture and carrying essential nutrients deep below the surface. 

An essence works in much the same way. By moisturizing the skin, it acts as a gentle catalyst, creating a receptive environment and allowing active ingredients to easily flow from the uppermost layers of the epidermis down into the deepest layers of the skin. 

By priming your skin with an essence, you will boost the absorption of all the active ingredients in your skincare routine.

Adding an essence to your skincare routine 

Adding an essence to your skincare routine is one the easiest ways to dramatically increase the effectiveness of your entire skincare routine.

Using a facial essence is especially beneficial for dehydrated, parched skin. It provides intense hydration, restoring the skin's natural moisture balance. 

For those of us with reactive skin, acne, or rosacea, an essence can help visibly calm sensitive skin, helping to reduce redness and inflammation.

Our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence delivers progressive hydration with micro-molecular hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe that pulls moisture deeply into the skin, facilitating the delivery of all other skin nutrients. 

Always apply your facial essence to a freshly cleansed face before any other products. 

How does an essence differ from a toner or serum?

Unlike traditional toners, which were designed to cleanse the skin, and serums, which address specific concerns, essences act as a primer and support the benefits of other skincare products. 

They can also contain a variety of active ingredients.

By optimizing the performance of subsequent skincare steps, an essence ultimately improves the overall efficacy of your skincare routine.

Have you ever hopped on a jet only to disembark at your destination and have your previously glowing complexion look dry, flaky, or just plain out of sorts?

There’s a reason this happens during travel. To understand why we must first take a look at our skin’s natural moisturizing factor, or NMF for short.

Your Skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)

To stay hydrated, your skin produces what’s called a natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It consists of water-attracting compounds, like amino acids, urea, lactic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, and other small molecules. These substances work together to bind ambient water molecules to the skin, keeping it hydrated and in a state of balance.

The fascinating thing is, your skin naturally adjusts how much NMF it produces. And it does this based on the environment you’re in.

For example, let’s say you live in a dry climate with low humidity levels like Colorado. Your skin will make more NMF than if you lived someplace with higher ambient humidity levels like Texas or Florida.

When you travel, your skin senses the change in environmental humidity, altitude, sun exposure, etc., and works overtime to bring itself back into a state of homeostasis, or balance. 

But this adjustment takes time and it’s one of the big reasons our skin can react negatively, looking dry and dull or on the opposite spectrum, breaking out within days after arriving on vacation.

To help your skin bounce back more quickly while you travel, try these tips and tricks.

Tips for Maintaining Glowing Skin While Traveling

Consider air travel

Any air travel you do will dehydrate your skin as cabin air has very little humidity. Before boarding apply a moisturizing facial serum like the Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and reapply during your flight.

Don’t worry, at one ounce each, TSA will allow you to carry on multiple full-sized TellurideGlow serums. This will help protect your skin from drying out as a result of the constant wicking effects of dry air being circulated in the cabin. Plus the soothing scent of the Alpine will add a little extra relaxation to your trip. 

You can also use a hydrating facial mist and spritz your face periodically during the flight. This will help add moisture back onto the surface of your skin, and since TSA won’t allow you to carry on a personal humidifier, it’s your next best option. 

Bring a lip ointment or dab some Purist Delicate Skin Serum onto your lips to keep them from cracking and chapping.

Pick up a water bottle so you can stay well hydrated while you fly. To that end, avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, both are known diuretics. 

This will help your skin bounce back more quickly and reduce the effects of jetlag if you're traveling overseas. You can always have a Parisien cappuccino or an Aperol Spritz once you land.  

Moisturize

Once you arrive at your destination, restore moisture to dehydrated skin with our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. As a water-based formula, the Aspen Dew will deposit moisture back into your skin while the micro-molecular hyaluronic acid in it will help to continuously pull ambient moisture back into your skin. 

Follow with a skin barrier recovery serum like the Alpine to help balance skin post-travel. The phytoceramides found in both the Alpine and Purist will help protect your skin from additional moisture loss by preventing further trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).

Cleanse gently

For cleansing while traveling, avoid harsh soaps or foaming products as these will strip your skin barrier of its natural oils. Skip potentially irritating hotel soaps and cleansers. Look for an oil-based or cream cleanser to help deposit lipids back onto your skin. 

And tempting as it might be, try not to over-cleanse while traveling. Over-cleansing can cause an inflammatory reaction in your skin, worsening dryness, hormonal breakouts, and skin conditions like eczema. 

Be mindful of chlorinated water

The water at your destination may have more chlorine, water softeners, or hard minerals than what you’re used to back home. These can worsen dry skin and aggravate reactive skin. 

This rule applies to swimming in chlorinated pools. Always rinse off after you get out to help remove any residual chlorine.

Sunscreen

You have heard it a million times but it bears repeating, always protect your skin from the sun. Especially if you’re traveling to a mountain town like Telluride where intense UV exposure and high altitudes can literally worsen every skin condition under the… ahem, sun. 

Choose a non-toxic sunscreen with a pleasing texture that you will enjoy using and apply it every few hours when out of doors.

Wishing you happy travels and glowing skin this summer!